Vermont Association of Senior Centers and Meal Providers (VASCAMP)

are pleased to be organizing the 2nd annual Aging in Vermont Conference with the theme this year on healthy living

Friday, October 26, 2018 at the

Killington, VermontCheck-in begins at 8:00 with conference starting at 9:00 - 4:00(These are approximate times - Final agenda will be forthcoming after September 28th)

Presentations for Aging in Vermont: Healthy Living Conference

The Aging Network: Providing Support Where Health Happens…at Home and in the Community,Keynote Speaker: Sandy Markwood

The U.S. health care system is in the midst of a dramatic change as focus shifts from delivering volume to improving outcomes and value for patients. But, there is also another shift going on—the shift from medical-based clinical care to a recognition of the value of home and community-based services and supports. The medical establishment is realizing what the Aging Network knew all along: for most people, health happens at home and in the community. And it’s the home that the Aging Network is invited into! Find out what new and exciting opportunities are emerging for the Aging Network to partner with the health care system to promote healthy aging. Learn about new developments in Medicaid, Medicare and Older Americans Act programs that can support the health and well-being of older adults in communities across Vermont.

When single older adults choose to "age-in-place" do they get lonely? Loneliness creeps up easily and can lead to social isolation and chronic loneliness. Sharing housing is a realistic option for seniors, if they are able to imagine it. This session will explore barriers to shared housing of ageism, fear, and deeply-held expectations of independence. You will learn how to overcome those barriers with models and community examples.

Participants will learn why they should care about the loss of muscle mass associated with aging. Our focus will be on how food and exercise contribute to our ability to stay strong and age well.

Partnering with USDA Rural Development to Make Homes Safe and Accessible, Presenters: Patricia Tedesco, Deborah Boyd

Learn an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to ramps and bathroom modifications; learn how to access federal, state and local dollars to help fund access modifications; learn about the USDA's 504 program to help very low-income persons, older adults and people who experience disabilities.

Everyone has power, but most of the time people don't use it. This session will outline the different types of power, help participants identify their own power, and provide strategies about how they can use it for positive change. Join current VT Representatives and lobbyist for an interactive discussion on how the committee process works, how to track bills, and when is the best time to make your voice heard.

Let's change the conversation about aging. This session takes the FrameWorks Institute's research on public perceptions of aging and brings it to Vermont, with a focus on challenging topics (dementia, falls, etc.) and concrete communication strategies.

Does your center face challenges to develop programming, attract older adults of all ages, retain their diverse interests and combat stigma? Janna Clar discusses a model of “Senior Center Without Walls” and how Montpelier supplements on-site programming with a variety of offsite, community-based programming. This presentation will introduce basic ingredients, ins and outs for forging creative, relevant, effective partnerships with local non-profits, downtown businesses, area fitness centers, public schools, health care providers and regional public facilities. Participants will gain new ideas and start an action plan for initiating new and relevant older adult programming and opportunities in the community.

Presenters will begin by providing information about the causes, extent, and costs of falls in Vermont and an understanding of what falls prevention means. Participants will hear about ways to implement falls prevention interventions.

This presentation combines coverage of the clinical evidence supporting tai chi's benefits for fall prevention and other health issues with short tai chi demonstrations, so that people gain a vivid sense of tai chi's direct impacts on healthy aging.

The presentation will show a model of inter-agency collaboration that will provide tools to protect and reduce victim trauma as agencies work collaboratively across traditional silos to end elder abuse.

Writing Our Way Through Caregiving, Presenter: Barb Asen

Caregiving alters lives! Whether we carefully plan for the mission or find ourselves dropped into it ill-equipped, caregiving provides rich material to digest, manage and create from. Like to make lists? Play with words? This interactive session is for all caregivers, regardless of situation or creative writing experience. We will explore an array of writing prompts and tools to support and enliven the caregiving journey. Some laughter guaranteed.

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Registration includes all sessions, light breakfast, lunch and beverages offered throughout the day.

Registration is $70.00 per participant

Register a group of five or more participants from the same company for a reduced rate of $65.00 per participant

Reserve a discounted hotel room the day/night before the conference for Thursday, October 25th by calling the hotel directly at 800-282-9955. Let the hotel staff know you are wanting to reserve a room for the Aging in Vermont Conference.